In defence of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan

A lot of slander is thrown at this individual, as many claim that he espoused many incorrect ideas about Islam. I'm going to insha'Allah clarify such misconceptions:

1. Building over graves

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan did not approve of building over graves, when asked about the subject, he had this to say:

“It is against the sunnah” (refer to Radd ul-Mukhtaar (3/167)

“Look at the graves of my mother, father and brother you will not find them higher than a hand span” (Malfoozaat (pg.428)

“To make a virtual tomb and to treat as a real tomb is impermissible and a bidah.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (9/425)

2. Knowledge of the unseen

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan did not believe Rasulullah (peace be upon him) had total knowledge of the unseen, rather, he believed that he only knew about that which Allah Ta'ala told him:

“The prophets knowledge of the hidden affairs that was bestowed upon him was only because Allah gave him that knowledge. Never mind even thinking that the prophets knowledge [bestowed upon him] and Allahs knowledge are similar, no, in fact if the knowledge of all those from the beginning of time until it’s end was put together it then it cannot be compared to the knowledge of Allah. The knowledge of all others in comparison to Allah is like one millionth part of a drop is thrown into one million oceans.” (Malfoozaat (pg.93)

3. Praying towards graves

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan had this to say on the subject:

“It is haram to pray towards or upon a grave. It is haram to step upon a grave and haram to build a masjid upon a grave.” [Irfaan e shariat part2]

‘To circumbulate the graves of the pious with the sole intention of tazeem [respect and veneration] is not permissible as the place which is deserving of circumbulation with veneration is the kabah. (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (4/7)

‘One should not kiss the tomb’ (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (4/7)

“Be aware, refrain from kissing and holding the railings [that cover the prophets grave] as this is against good mannerisms. Instead, stay as far as four foot away from the railings that surround the prophets grave” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (10/765)

“Do not circumbulate the prophet’s grave, do not prostrate at it, nor lower yourself so much so that it is as though one is making rukoo (bowing). The veneration of the prophet is in following him.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (10/769)

“when one has a covering present and it is of some use then to utilise it to cover the grave is useless. Instead one should spend the money that was going to be used to purchase the covering to feed the poor.” (Ahkaam Shar’eeat (1/42)

“If the deceased is a man of paradise then in his grave he shall be smelling the gardens of paradise and is no need of your burning of incense, lights at his grave!” (as-Sunniyatil Aaniyqaa (pg.70)

“Muslims! O you followers of the prophets ways! Know with the utmost conviction and yaqeen [certainty without any doubt] that the prostration is for none other than Allah. To prostrate by way of worship to other than Allah is by consensus clear shirk and kufr and the prostration of Tazeem [respect] is haram and a major sin with yaqeen (certainty without any doubt).” (az-Zuda tuz-Zakiyyah li Tahreem Sujood at-Tahiyyah (pg.5)

6. Exaggerated veneration of saints

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan did not approve of overly-venerating the saints:

“To be saved [from the fire] it is not neccseary for the muslim to give his pleadge of allegianmce to anyone from the Mureeds [saints] as if one accepts the Prophet Muhammad as his Murshid [guide] and this will suffice.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (10/990)

“to take photos or images of the saints so that blessings can be sought from them is forbissen as when the prophet conquered Makkah he removed all pictures from the kabah of the pious.” (Malfoozat (pg.278)

“No doubt it is obligatory that a non mahram must be covered when before a non mahram man. Similairy a Peer [Alleged sufi and saint] is not a mehram for his follower [murshid]. Who is going to be a greater guider that the Prophet Muhammad? [yet he did not mix with non mahram women].” (Masaa’il Samaa (pg.23)

7. Wearing amulets for protection

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan completely denounced such actions in the following statement:

“It has no basis and to collect money to spend on Imaam Zaamin amulets has no basis whatsoever.” (Malfoozaat (pg.328)

8. Other issues of note

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan also agreed with Ah'lus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah on many other issues:

“Music and musical instruments are haram without a doubt. The awliyaa and scholars are agreed upon this. To use and listen to music is a major sin without a doubt. Those that ascribe the permissibility of music and musical instruments usage to the Chishtee (sufi tariqah) is unfounded and a slander.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (2/54)

“It is not permissible in the religion to take payment for the recitation of the Quran that is read to benefit the dead” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (4/317)

“to wear amulets made from copper and metal is highly disliked for both men and women and to have an amulet in gold and silver for men is haram” (Malfoozaat (pg.328)

“The one who trims and shaves his beard he is a sinner, cursed and to make an Imaam [lead the prayer] is a sin.” (Ahkaam Sharee’at (2/321)

“It is stated in the Gunyah (of Abdul Qaadir Jelaani) that do not ask about whether it is permissible for the women to attend the tombs and graves of saints. Instead ask how much la’na [curse] of Allah and the one in the grave is upon the women who attends a tomb/grave. The time she intends to leave her house to visit the tomb and grave her curse begins from then and up until her return the angels curse her. “(Malfoozaat (pg.240)

“to make the picture of a living thing by hand is haram, whether it be by hand or photography. Then to make the pictures of the false gods is even more haram and false. It is a sin to make any of the people who take and make pictures as Imaams (leaders in prayer) and to pray to pray behind these people is highly disliked near haram.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (3/190)

"If he has wajd and dances with a certain style [imitating dancing] then it is haram. If he goes into wajd and dances to show others then he is destined for the hell fire." (Malfoozaat (pg.231)

“To use fireworks is wastefulness, and wastefulness is haram” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (24/112)

Comment

Why don't the barelvis follow this?
i've also seen or heard about him making comparisons to 'dogs' (not sure if it is him or another brelwi), saying that 'we are dogs' as if it's a good thing in terms of worship and obedience/love

Comment

A lot of slander is thrown at this individual, as many claim that he espoused many incorrect ideas about Islam. I'm going to insha'Allah clarify such misconceptions:

1. Building over graves

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan did not approve of building over graves, when asked about the subject, he had this to say:

“It is against the sunnah” (refer to Radd ul-Mukhtaar (3/167)

“Look at the graves of my mother, father and brother you will not find them higher than a hand span” (Malfoozaat (pg.428)

“To make a virtual tomb and to treat as a real tomb is impermissible and a bidah.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (9/425)

2. Knowledge of the unseen

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan did not believe Rasulullah (peace be upon him) had total knowledge of the unseen, rather, he believed that he only knew about that which Allah Ta'ala told him:

“The prophets knowledge of the hidden affairs that was bestowed upon him was only because Allah gave him that knowledge. Never mind even thinking that the prophets knowledge [bestowed upon him] and Allahs knowledge are similar, no, in fact if the knowledge of all those from the beginning of time until it’s end was put together it then it cannot be compared to the knowledge of Allah. The knowledge of all others in comparison to Allah is like one millionth part of a drop is thrown into one million oceans.” (Malfoozaat (pg.93)

3. Praying towards graves

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan had this to say on the subject:

“It is haram to pray towards or upon a grave. It is haram to step upon a grave and haram to build a masjid upon a grave.” [Irfaan e shariat part2]

‘To circumbulate the graves of the pious with the sole intention of tazeem [respect and veneration] is not permissible as the place which is deserving of circumbulation with veneration is the kabah. (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (4/7)

‘One should not kiss the tomb’ (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (4/7)

“Be aware, refrain from kissing and holding the railings [that cover the prophets grave] as this is against good mannerisms. Instead, stay as far as four foot away from the railings that surround the prophets grave” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (10/765)

“Do not circumbulate the prophet’s grave, do not prostrate at it, nor lower yourself so much so that it is as though one is making rukoo (bowing). The veneration of the prophet is in following him.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (10/769)

“when one has a covering present and it is of some use then to utilise it to cover the grave is useless. Instead one should spend the money that was going to be used to purchase the covering to feed the poor.” (Ahkaam Shar’eeat (1/42)

“If the deceased is a man of paradise then in his grave he shall be smelling the gardens of paradise and is no need of your burning of incense, lights at his grave!” (as-Sunniyatil Aaniyqaa (pg.70)

“Muslims! O you followers of the prophets ways! Know with the utmost conviction and yaqeen [certainty without any doubt] that the prostration is for none other than Allah. To prostrate by way of worship to other than Allah is by consensus clear shirk and kufr and the prostration of Tazeem [respect] is haram and a major sin with yaqeen (certainty without any doubt).” (az-Zuda tuz-Zakiyyah li Tahreem Sujood at-Tahiyyah (pg.5)

6. Exaggerated veneration of saints

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan did not approve of overly-venerating the saints:

“To be saved [from the fire] it is not neccseary for the muslim to give his pleadge of allegianmce to anyone from the Mureeds [saints] as if one accepts the Prophet Muhammad as his Murshid [guide] and this will suffice.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (10/990)

“to take photos or images of the saints so that blessings can be sought from them is forbissen as when the prophet conquered Makkah he removed all pictures from the kabah of the pious.” (Malfoozat (pg.278)

“No doubt it is obligatory that a non mahram must be covered when before a non mahram man. Similairy a Peer [Alleged sufi and saint] is not a mehram for his follower [murshid]. Who is going to be a greater guider that the Prophet Muhammad? [yet he did not mix with non mahram women].” (Masaa’il Samaa (pg.23)

7. Wearing amulets for protection

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan completely denounced such actions in the following statement:

“It has no basis and to collect money to spend on Imaam Zaamin amulets has no basis whatsoever.” (Malfoozaat (pg.328)

8. Other issues of note

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan also agreed with Ah'lus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah on many other issues:

“Music and musical instruments are haram without a doubt. The awliyaa and scholars are agreed upon this. To use and listen to music is a major sin without a doubt. Those that ascribe the permissibility of music and musical instruments usage to the Chishtee (sufi tariqah) is unfounded and a slander.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (2/54)

“It is not permissible in the religion to take payment for the recitation of the Quran that is read to benefit the dead” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (4/317)

“to wear amulets made from copper and metal is highly disliked for both men and women and to have an amulet in gold and silver for men is haram” (Malfoozaat (pg.328)

“The one who trims and shaves his beard he is a sinner, cursed and to make an Imaam [lead the prayer] is a sin.” (Ahkaam Sharee’at (2/321)

“It is stated in the Gunyah (of Abdul Qaadir Jelaani) that do not ask about whether it is permissible for the women to attend the tombs and graves of saints. Instead ask how much la’na [curse] of Allah and the one in the grave is upon the women who attends a tomb/grave. The time she intends to leave her house to visit the tomb and grave her curse begins from then and up until her return the angels curse her. “(Malfoozaat (pg.240)

“to make the picture of a living thing by hand is haram, whether it be by hand or photography. Then to make the pictures of the false gods is even more haram and false. It is a sin to make any of the people who take and make pictures as Imaams (leaders in prayer) and to pray to pray behind these people is highly disliked near haram.” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza Khan (3/190)

"If he has wajd and dances with a certain style [imitating dancing] then it is haram. If he goes into wajd and dances to show others then he is destined for the hell fire." (Malfoozaat (pg.231)

“To use fireworks is wastefulness, and wastefulness is haram” (Fataawa Ridhwiyyah of Ahmad Raza (24/112)

I tried searching for Fataawa Ridwiyyah online but could not find it, i am aware it is a very large work but i would have thought it would be online and we would be able to search through it to verify at least some of the quotes - the only source so far seems to be one guy on a random blog.

Other works of Ahmad Riza Khan Braelvi seem to show that he had mushriq beliefs and bidah practices.

Comment

Most Barelvis are not that crazy, they just believe in asking the deceased awliya to make dua for them and that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) sees the actions of his Ummah from the grave.

Only some of them do the more crazy stuff.

This is not true. I had a highly educated practicing Braelvi tell me that Rasoolallah (saw) controls the affairs of the universe - i said this is Shirk - he then paused and added Allah allowed it. Ofcourse they have no proof for this position like most of their baatil beliefs.

Another time in middle of a discussion i said to him you realise you are doing Shirk.
He said how.
I said you make Dua to other than Allah.
He said okay sometimes i make Dua to other than Allah.
I said that is same as worshiping other than Allah.
He said no, its not worship, we just make Dua.
I said the Prophet (saw) said the Dua is the essence of worship (hadith).
Your praying and asking from other than Allah (swt) constitutes worship.
He said you go to the Doctor when your sick.
I said yes.
He said so that means your also doing shirk.
I said no, i said, it is permissible to ask (within reason) from the living, but not the dead.
He said the Prophet (saw) is not Dead ! (He got highly offended at this point)
I said Abu Bakr (ra) said rasoolallah (saw) is dead, he said this after the Prophet passed away, would you get angry at him? (He had no answer).
Then i said okay, we both agree Isa ibn Maryam is alive and raised to the heaven awaiting return ?
He said yes.
I said so Isa ibn Maryam is not dead, he is alive.
He said yes.
I said that means its okay to ask your needs from Isa ibn Maryam ??
He paused and ofcourse yes !

I said you got your path, i got mine. You think its okay to pray to Isa ibn Maryam for your needs, then goodluck, your just like the christians and the shias.